Marlec Solar iBoost+ User manual

Installation Instructions
(Installation by Qualified Electricians Only)
Doc. No: SM-504 Iss B 01.07.19

1. The electrical installation of this device must only be undertaken by a suitably trained and
qualified electrician; all local safety standards must be observed.
To comply with safety regulations it is necessary to have a means of full disconnection of the
iBoost+ from the supply after installation, it is recommended the installation incorporates a
double pole isolation switch in the incoming supply.
All work must satisfy Building/IEE Wiring regulations in force at the time.
2. Solar iBoost+ is designed for heating water tanks in a domestic setting with up to two
immersion heaters rated up to 3kW each which MUST include a working mechanical
thermostat.
3. There should be NO electronic controls or switches between the Solar iBoost+ and the
immersion heater, only direct connection to the immersion and mechanical thermostat are
suitable for Solar iBoost+. It is therefore recommended that the Solar iBoost+ be located at
the water tank (assuming this not within a safety zone of a bathroom which may prohibit the
fitting of electrical devices). Cable lengths between the Solar iBoost+ and the immersion
heater should not exceed 3 metres.
4. If the installation can not be effected at the water tank and cable lengths between the Solar
iBoost+ and the immersion exceed 3 metres, it is recommended that shielded cables be
installed.
5. If the existing cable to the immersion heater appears to be aged or damaged in any way,
replace the cable.
6. The Output of the Solar iBoost+ is a specially modulated DC output which must never be
connected to the normal AC circuit. The Solar iBoost+ output must be the only supply to the
immersion heaters and connected through a good quality, working mechanical thermostat.
Failure to comply will damage the unit and invalidate the warranty.
1
A
C
B
Checks Before Commencing Installation
Check you have received the following:
 Solar iBoost+ main unit (A)
 Measurement Clamp (B)
 Sender (connects to measurement clamp) (C)
 2 × AA batteries (for Sender)
 Wall fixings
 Solar iBoost+ user manual
 Wall fixing template
Please note and ensure the following before commencing any
installation...
General Scheme Layout
2
 Never connect AC Live or Neutral to the HTR1 or HTR 2 terminals
 Solar iBoost+ must be the only supply to the immersion heaters
 DO NOT CONNECT ANY WIRES TO A LIVE Solar iBoost+
IMPORTANT!
Ensure the clamp is orientated on the
Live cable correctly as shown on the
label. This is critical for correct operation.
Measuring
Clamp
Sender
Unit
Solar
Inverter
12345
Utility
Meter Generation
Meter
Isolator
Wireless
communication
Immersion
Heater
SOLAR iBOOST
12345
Consumer
Unit
Meter
Consumer
Unit

Wiring Diagram
For all installations -
 Test the immersion heaters and thermostats before installation and replace defective parts where
necessary. Do not install the Solar iBoost+ where a functioning thermostat is not present. A good
3kW immersion will give a resistance reading of 20 ohms. Replace any aged or damaged cables.
 There must be no control of the immersion heater(s) by any equipment other than the Solar
iBoost+. In addition, there should not be any additional source of power connected to the
immersion heater. The Solar iBoost+ will replace any Boost controls or Hot Water Timers.
Failure to comply will result in damage to the Solar iBoost+ and invalidate your warranty.
Single or Dual Immersion Heater connection
Where a single immersion heater
is fitted (most common installation)
it should be connected to the
terminals marked HTR 1.
Where two immersion heaters are present, connect
the upper most heater in the tank to the HTR1
terminals and the lower heater to the HTR2
terminals. Correct connection is important so that the
upper most heating element receives heating priority.
SUPPLY HTR 1 HTR 2
+_+_
LN
TOP Heater
LOWER Heater (if fitted)
NImmersion Heater and
Thermostat
Lmax. 3kW
NImmersion Heater and
Thermostat
Lmax. 3kW
The output from the Solar iBoost+ is
modulated DC and cannot be measured with
an AC Voltmeter.
Note: The outputs are + and – (not Live and
Neutral) and are not referenced to L, N or E.
If measured, a voltage may be present
between either output and earth.
Dual Immersion Heater Operation
The Solar iBoost+ automatically detects when two immersion heaters are connected.
As hot water is drawn from the upper part of the tank, it is important the heaters are connected as described so
that the Solar iBoost+ can automatically give heating priority to the top heater. Excess generation is diverted to
the top heater until temperature is reached and the heater thermostat opens. Solar iBoost+ then automatically
switches to the lower heater to continue to divert excess generation until the lower heater is also satisfied and
‘Water Tank HOT’ is displayed.
When diverting to the lower heater the Solar iBoost+ will periodically (every 15 minutes) switch to the top
heater and the cycle of heating begins again. This maintains the temperature in the upper part of the tank.
An indication of the current heater being supplied is shown on the ‘Heating by Solar’ display.
This operating mode is the same whether diverting excess generation or in boost function.
220-240V AC
From 16A
MCB or 13A
fused outlet
Installation
3
Positioning - Use the installation template provided
Locate the Solar iBoost+ close to the hot water tank and connect electrically between a fused outlet or MCB
and the immersion heater(s). Keep cable distances to a minimum whilst ensuring they are secured to prevent
connection movement in service.
100mm
100mm
100mm
100mm
Install the unit with a
minimum 100mm
clearance on each side.
Do not allow airflow to be obstructed. Ensure
nothing is fitted within the red zone shown
around the unit.
The unit must be fitted vertical on the wall.
Fixing the Solar iBoost+
Rear Hanging Brackets
Fixing Screw Points
Using the screws and wall plugs provided or suitable screws for the mounting surface, fix the Solar iBoost+
using the 4 fixing points...
Connecting the Solar iBoost+
SUPPLY HTR 1 HTR 2
+_+_
LN
4
SUPPLY
HTR 1 / HTR 2 (IMMERSION HEATER CONNECTIONS)
220-240V ac Input - must be protected by 16A MCB or
13A fused outlet.
Neutral
Earth (all earth terminals common)
Connect to the Live terminal of the immersion heater
thermostat, max 13A.
Connect to the Neutral terminal of the immersion heater
Earth
L
--
N
+
 Wire the Solar iBoost+ in accordance with
the Wiring Diagram.
 HTR2 Terminals allow the connection of a
second immersion, if fitted.
 Terminals allow the connection of up to
4mm² solid copper conductor or multi-
strand cable.
 Solar iBoost+ has overvoltage protection
and will temporarily stop diverting if the
supply voltage is above 260V ac.
 Ensure terminals are fully tightened and
cable is clamped using the cable clamps
provided. Where necessary, invert the
plastic cable clamp to provide the correct
grip.
 After wiring replace the terminal cover.
Only use the screws provided with the
cover. DO NOT switch on at this stage.
 Ensure the cover is tightened down as
this prevents vibration of the fan unit
and unwanted fan noise.

Commission and Test the System
These tests are designed to verify that only excess generation is used by the Solar iBoost+. Installers
must check that increased home energy consumption results in reduced diversion to the immersion
heater. The availability of high energy appliances (e.g. kettle, electric showers etc.) are useful during
these tests.
 Before testing, if ‘Tank Hot’ is shown on the Solar iBoost+, run off some hot water.
 ‘Heating by Solar’ is displayed only when excess energy exceeds 100W. Switch off appliances to enable
energy to be exported for these tests.
 Perform tests 1, 2 and 4 when excess generation is available. When there is no PV generation, perform
tests 3 and 4 .
Check that the Solar iBoost+ stops diverting energy when the PV system is shutdown.
 Shutdown the PV array and the Solar iBoost+ display changes to “Water Heating OFF.”
 Reinstate the PV array.st
Check that switching appliances on and off in the home results in varying levels of ‘Heating by Solar’.
 Switch off all the MCB’s / Fuses except for the PV and immersion.
 Check the level of PV generation on the inverter.
 The “Heating by Solar” level should be approximately 100W less than generation.
 Reinstate MCB’s / Fuses.
 Switch on one or two low energy appliances to see the level of ‘Heating by Solar’ proportionally fall. As
further appliances are switched on ‘Water Heating OFF’ may be seen.
Perform this test if no PV generation is available when commissioning. Export energy can be simulated by
temporarily reversing the orientation of the Measurement Clamp.
 Shut down the PV array
 Reverse the orientation of the measurement clamp (consumption in the home is then measured as export
energy)
 Switch on a kettle or high energy device
 Whilst the kettle is on ‘Heating by Solar’ is displayed and Solar iBoost+ function is proved.
IMPORTANT! Return the clamp to its correct operating position and reinstate the PV array.
Test the Boost function is operational.
 Press the Boost button 2 times, “Manual Boost ON” displays
 Check that water is heating
 Scroll the Boost button until it reads “Manual Boost OFF”
Operation
Consult the User Manual provided for the following:
Hot Water Boost - Solar iBoost+ incorporates manual Boost and timed Boost features to enable the user
to heat water via the immersion during times of low PV generation.
Battery Storage - Where the Solar iBoost+ is installed in conjunction with battery storage, an offset may be
configured to allow the battery storage to take priority over water heating.
Language - The display can be set to operate in other languages via the programming options.
Assembling the Sender and Measurement Clamp
The Sender unit has a Measurement Clamp that detects export current when fitted around the
incoming Live supply cable from the utility meter. The unit sends measurements wirelessly to the
Solar iBoost+ unit.
Note: The Sender and Solar iBoost+ units are factory paired. Do not press the button on the sender or
pairing may be lost.
1. Fit the plug from the Measurement Clamp cable into the Sender.
2. Fit batteries (included).
When fitting the batteries the sender should be at least 1-2m away from the
Solar iBoost+
3. Switch on the power to the Solar iBoost+. A set up procedure runs and
the two devices connect automatically, usually within 30 seconds.
Fitting the Measurement Clamp
Installation Examples
A. Utility meter live input to consumer unit
without Henley /Connector blocks.
B. Utility meter live input to consumer
unit with Henley / Connector blocks.
Where a Henley
or other
connector block is
fitted, the
Measurement
Clamp is fitted
between the utility
meter and the
connection block.
IMPORTANT: the orientation markings
on the clamp must be observed to
ensure only excess current is detected
and used for water heating.
57
6
At the utility meter (Caution! not the Generation meter) identify the Live cable feed to the property’s consumer
unit.
Open the Measurement Clamp and remove any plastic packaging. Position the clamp around the cable
observing the correct orientation as shown below. Close the Clamp and ensure that the latch is engaged.
For best results, install the sender upright as shown below, using the rear hanging hook.
Note: Mechanical meters (with rotating disks) can cause distortions to measurements. Position the
clamp along the meter cable, away from the base of the meter.
L N N L
L N N L
Live feed to
consumer
unit
Live feed to
consumer
unit
Test 1
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4

Solar iBoost+ Controller:
Operating Voltage: 220-240 Vac
Control type: 1B (Pulse Width Modulation)
Maximum Permissible Loads: Maximum 3kW immersion heaters (13A Resistive)
Rated Impulse Voltage Withstand 4kV
Insulation Properties Pollution Degree 2 in accordance with IEC 664
Operating Ambient Temperature Range: 0 to 40°C
Approvals: EN 60730-2-7EN 301 489-3
EN 300 220 EN 55014-1
EN 55014-2
AS/NZS 4268
Weight/Dimensions: 1.36kg 225 x 158 x 92 mm
Solar iBoost+ Sender:
Battery Type: 2 x AA IEC LR6 1.5V alkaline (supplied)
Battery Life Cycle: 1 year (user replaceable)
Operating Radio Frequency 868.3 MHz (United Kingdom/Europe)
925 MHz (Australia/New Zealand)
Radio Range 1 to 30m indoors
(dependant on construction and local conditions)
Operating Ambient Temperature Range: -5 to 40°C
Approvals: EN 60950 EN 301 489-3
EN 300 220
AS/NZS 4268
Dimensions: 95 x 75 x 35 mm (excluding clamp)
This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or
mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or
instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be
supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
Further Support
Technical support for qualified installers and electricians, visit:
www.marlec.co.uk/troubleshootmysolariboost
Technical Specifications
SIB Energy Limited ⁞ Corby ⁞ NN17 5XY